A 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck various parts of Pakistan in the early hours of August 2 (Saturday), causing widespread tremors and prompting residents to evacuate their homes. Despite the initial panic, authorities have confirmed that no significant loss of life or property has been reported.
The earthquake occurred at approximately 2:04 AM Pakistan Standard Time (PST), with its epicentre located in Afghanistan’s Hindukush mountain region at a depth of 102 kilometres, according to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC). Tremors were felt across a broad area, including major cities such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Peshawar, as well as numerous districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.
Residents in affected areas reported being woken by the shaking and, as a precautionary measure, many rushed outdoors. Pakistan is situated in a seismically active zone where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates converge, making the region susceptible to frequent seismic activity.
Following the event, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed that its Emergency Operations Centre is actively monitoring the situation and remains in contact with district administrations across affected regions. Citizens have been urged to report any emergencies through the PDMA helpline.
It is worth noting that a milder 4.8-magnitude earthquake also struck parts of Pakistan just after midnight on August 3 (Sunday), further highlighting the ongoing seismic activity in the region.
